10 Reasons Why African Wildlife Safaris Are Perfect for Solo Travelers
The first time I went on a solo trip to Africa, I had no idea what to expect. I flew in alone, met up with an international group of travelers, and set off in an overlander truck, camping under the vast African sky. It was thrilling, a little nerve-wracking, and absolutely unforgettable. The second time? I knew I had to go back.
There’s something magical about experiencing Africa on your own terms. The wildlife, the landscapes, the sense of adventure—it’s all amplified when you don’t have to coordinate with anyone else. If you’ve ever considered a solo safari, let me tell you: it’s one of the best travel experiences you can have. It’s not just about seeing lions or elephants in the wild (though that part is incredible). It’s about stepping into a world that’s raw, wild, and completely different from anything you’ve known.
Still not convinced? Here are ten reasons why solo safaris are an absolute game-changer.
1. Freedom to Explore at Your Own Pace
One of the greatest advantages of traveling solo on a safari is the complete freedom to structure your itinerary based on your interests and preferences. Without the need to accommodate the schedules and desires of a group, you can choose the activities that excite you most—whether that’s spending an entire day in a jeep following a lion pride or opting for a quiet walk with a guide to learn about the local flora. You’re in control of how much or how little you do, allowing for a highly personalized experience.
2. Opportunity to Form Deep Connections with Nature
Solo safaris provide an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in Africa’s stunning natural environments. Without distractions or obligations to others, you can truly focus on the breathtaking landscapes, the incredible wildlife, and the peaceful solitude that these vast reserves offer. Many solo travelers find that they experience a deeper connection to the environment when traveling alone, enabling them to appreciate the beauty of the African wilderness in ways they might not have otherwise.
3. Unique and Tailored Safari Experiences
Many safari lodges and tour operators cater specifically to solo travelers. You can get private guides, customized game drives, and even walking safaris tailored to what interests you most. I’ve had some of my best wildlife encounters because I could go at my own pace and follow my instincts rather than sticking to a group itinerary.
4. Increased Opportunity to Engage with Local Communities
As a solo traveler, you have the flexibility to engage more closely with the people who call Africa home. Whether you’re exploring local villages near national parks or participating in cultural exchanges, you’ll find that being on your own allows for deeper and more authentic connections with locals. This immersive experience can give you a richer understanding of African cultures, traditions, and the relationship between Indigenous communities and the wildlife around them.
5. Heightened Sense of Adventure and Self-Discovery
There’s something incredibly empowering about traveling solo, particularly in a remote and wild environment like an African safari. Without anyone else to rely on, you’ll be forced to rely on your instincts and your ability to adapt to new situations, which leads to personal growth. Many solo travelers report a heightened sense of self-awareness and self-confidence after completing a safari, as the challenges and rewards of the journey allow them to push beyond their limits and discover new strengths within themselves.
6. Solitude and Reflection in Nature
For many, a safari provides a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy some solitude. Solo travel allows for peaceful moments of reflection and meditation, whether you’re sitting quietly by a watering hole, watching elephants graze in the distance, or listening to the sounds of the African bush at dawn. This type of personal time in nature can be deeply restorative and therapeutic, helping you clear your mind and reconnect with what truly matters.
7. Security and Comfort for Solo Travelers
Before my first trip, I had concerns about safety—especially as a solo traveler. But I quickly realized that many safari lodges and camps are equipped with modern amenities and offer top-notch security to ensure that guests feel comfortable during their stay. Additionally, most safari operators provide professional, experienced guides who prioritize the safety and well-being of their guests, further reducing any potential concerns.
8. Opportunities for Solo Travelers to Meet Like-Minded Adventurers
While solo travelers often enjoy their independence, they’re rarely alone for long. Some of my best travel friendships were formed over campfires, sundowners, and shared excitement at spotting a leopard in the wild. Safaris often attract like-minded individuals who share a passion for wildlife and adventure, which creates opportunities to meet new people along the way. Whether you connect with fellow travelers during a communal meal at the lodge, share stories on a group game drive, or team up with other solo travelers for a walking safari, you’ll have the chance to build meaningful relationships with others who share your interests.
9. Affordable Options for Solo Travelers
Though safaris are often seen as expensive, many tour operators offer affordable options for solo travelers. Some lodges offer single occupancy options, eliminating the need for the added expense of paying for two people. Additionally, joining a small group safari or participating in scheduled group activities can make safaris more accessible for solo travelers on a budget. With the right planning, it’s possible to experience the magic of an African safari without breaking the bank.
10. An Experience That Will Change Your Perspective on Life
There’s no denying that an African safari is one of the most transformative travel experiences one can undertake. Whether it’s witnessing the majesty of a lion in the wild, hearing the sounds of hippos as the sun sets, or observing the delicate balance of ecosystems, a safari has a way of shifting your perspective. For many solo travelers, the experience offers profound insights into the beauty and fragility of life, leading to a greater appreciation for the natural world and a deeper connection to our planet.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, a solo safari is about more than just travel—it’s about transformation. There’s something deeply humbling about being in the presence of Africa’s wildlife, something exhilarating about navigating new landscapes on your own, and something incredibly freeing about not having to answer to anyone but yourself.
I’ve camped under the stars listening to lions roar in the distance, shared stories with travelers from around the world, and had moments of solitude so powerful they’re hard to put into words. Africa has a way of challenging you, changing you, and showing you a version of yourself you might not have met yet.
So if you’ve been waiting for a sign to book that solo safari—this is it. Adventure, self-discovery, and the experience of a lifetime are waiting for you out there in the wild. The only question is: are you ready to go?
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them in the comments section below!
Who am I? Well, the least you can say is that I am quite crazy about Africa, its nature, its climate, its culture, and more.
As a young woman in my twenties, I had already traveled to several African countries by traveling along in an overlander on my own and mostly camping ( or glamping ) and just fell in love with the diversity of it all.
So much, so that at the age of 26, I went back to university to study biology, which, unfortunately, I couldn’t finish because of health reasons (yes, I got sick from a tropical disease, oh cynicism). But this did not stop my dream of traveling back to Africa several times, and I still do.
My dream was back then to leave Europe and go study animal behavior, especially the elephants (sure, that’s every girl’s dream haha), but I am also very much intrigued by hyenas and other “ugly African animals“.
So, I “kind of” have a little bit of a scientific approach to my articles, when I write about African birds, for example. And most of all: the passion.
But life goes on, you move from one side of the country to the other, you get sick again and top it off with lower back problems, and before you know it, you are over 50 hahaha!
Now, I still travel to Africa, but take it a bit “easier” than the good old camping days, and stay in comfortable, yet affordable accommodations, together with my husband Wouter.
These are some of the countries I have traveled to: Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Tunisia, and a little bit of Lesotho LOL .
While clearly not being African territory, but Spanish, I also visited Gran Canaria and Tenerife, and location-wise, I consider them “African”, because of their climate and nature, sue me :-p
The last trip I took was to South Africa in the year 2023, and it sure got the fevers for Africa back! From the Barberton mountains to the Drakensberg and the Southcoast, one month wasn’t enough at all to see the whole country, so we’ll be back! At ease and with a little bit more luxury than in my younger days haha!
